7 DIY Ways to Make Your Home Smarter

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Nearly everything in your home can now be linked through Wi-Fi, allowing you to control functions like temperature, music, and security systems all through an app. While this type of freedom and flexibility can make your home more convenient and efficient, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with the number of smart devices on the market. Thankfully, it’s a whole lot easier than it seems—and you can often hook these systems up yourself. Here are seven DIY ways to make your home smarter.

1. SMART TELEVISIONS.

A smart television is an easy point of entry into the world of smart devices, and the set-up only takes a few minutes. These TVs will connect to your Wi-Fi, allowing you to download apps and streaming services right to your set. This capability all but eliminates the need to buy expensive accessories for streaming content, since the operating system is built right into the TV itself. All you’ll really need to do is punch in your Wi-Fi password and download some apps and you’ll be good to go.

2. SMART THERMOSTAT.

There are countless smart thermostats on the market today, and for good reason: It’s one of the best investments you can make in your burgeoning smart home. The best ones allow you to adjust your home’s temperature remotely, meaning you can turn your heat on right before you leave the office so your home is warmed up when you step through the door.

Since your thermostat will be linked to your smartphone, you can check and adjust energy consumption and temperature in real-time, no matter where you are. This can save you money in the long run since you’ll be able to turn off air conditioners you mistakenly left on or dial back the heat if you’re not home. And the more recent models will even learn your schedule and automatically adjust the temperature without you needing to lift a finger.

In terms of installation, these thermostats are often a great fit for someone looking to get into more DIY projects. Many manufacturers even put out their own video tutorials to help with the installation. First, though, do some research on your current thermostat to make sure the smart one you’re purchasing is compatible with your home’s wiring, furnace, and air conditioning units.

3. SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS.

Smart smoke/carbon monoxide detectors improve upon the standard detectors by sending clear warnings both from the device itself and to the smartphones of your family members or roommates. Additionally, many will go so far as to alert you about the specific room the smoke or carbon monoxide was detected in.

One of the biggest issues with a standard smoke detector is that there is very little difference between the sound of its alarm and the sound it makes when you have to change the batteries. This leads to confusion that smart detectors avoid, since many feature app alerts and voice alarms that say “Smoke detected” or “Low battery” rather than the traditional chirping.

A smart smoke detector is one of the purchases you can make on your way to having a full-fledged smart home. They’re fairly inexpensive, and if you can install a standard detector, you can install a smart one.

4. LIGHTS.

Smart light bulbs are easy to install, come with a range of features, and can save you money by turning on only if there is somebody in the room. On top of that, the best ones on the market change colors and can be controlled anywhere from your smartphone or through your desired smart hub.

In terms of installation, there are a few accessories—including a hub that connects to your Wi-Fi—but they’re simple to hook up. Like the smart smoke detector, a smart bulb is an easy step towards a smart home or a perfect gift for someone who might be intimidated by installing something as complex as a thermostat.

5. SMART SECURITY CAMERAS.

When it comes to smart security devices, there’s a whole world to choose from. There are video surveillance devices, smart locks, doorbells that include motion sensors and built-in cameras, outdoor motion lights, and smart home security kits, complete with a subscription to a private service.

Larger systems can require professional installation, but if you just want to set up an indoor camera or two, there’s no reason you can’t take a DIY approach. Again, like most other devices on this list, the biggest things you’ll need for installation are your Wi-Fi password, the camera’s app, and probably a few tools to place the camera wherever you want it. Most companies will have step-by-step video instructions on their websites to make the process even easier. Once you’ve got your camera installed, you’ll have the ability to view a live feed from your phone wherever you are.

6. SMART OUTLET.

In some cases, you don’t need smart devices, just a smart outlet. These outlets plug into your normal electrical outlets, which you can then plug appliances like standard fans and lights into. Once the smart outlet is connected to your Wi-Fi, you control the outlets through an app that allows you to turn the power on and off from wherever you are and schedule the devices to go on at specific times.

That means you don’t need to ditch your favorite lamp in order to control it remotely. And depending on the make and model of your other devices, these outlets can interact with other appliances in your house or be run through your smart hub, allowing it to be commanded through your voice.

Many companies are producing smart outlets, so as with everything on this list, do your research. See which outlets are compatible with your existing devices and whether a smart outlet works best for your home.

7. SMART HUBS.

The finishing touch for a truly connected smart home is the smart hub. This is a device that can, ideally, control most—if not all—of your smart devices, such as lights, thermostats, and televisions. Instead of having a dozen different apps for all your separate smart devices, you will be able to run them all through this main hub, either through its own dedicated smartphone app or voice commands.

Before selecting a smart hub, do your research and choose the one that works with your other devices and any pre-existing services (such as a streaming music account) you may have. Your choice of hub could lock you in to many other smart device choices, so stick with one from a company you already trust.

Thankfully, these hubs are relatively easy to install, fairly inexpensive, and have a range of interesting features. All you’ll need is your Wi-Fi information and a place to put it. Be sure to subscribe to any email updates about the device, as tech companies are constantly enhancing their capabilities. With everything running through your hub, controlling your smarter, more efficient home will be a breeze.

Automating and simplifying processes around your home is smart. Automatically getting more cash back is even smarter, and Discover’s Cashback Match is a smart way to earn extra cash back. Discover Card automatically matches the cash back you earn, dollar for dollar, at the end of your first year. Visit Discover to learn more.

This Smart Accessory Converts Your Instant Pot Into an Air Fryer

If you can make a recipe in a slow cooker, Dutch oven, or rice cooker, you can likely adapt it for an Instant Pot. Now, this all-in-one cooker can be converted into an air fryer with one handy accessory.

This Instant Pot air fryer lid—currently available on Amazon for $80—adds six new cooking functions to your 6-quart Instant Pot. You can select the air fry setting to get food hot and crispy fast, using as little as 2 tablespoons of oil. Other options include roast, bake, broil, dehydrate, and reheat.

Many dishes you would prepare in the oven or on the stovetop can be made in your Instant Pot when you switch out the lids. Chicken wings, French fries, and onion rings are just a few of the possibilities mentioned in the product description. And if you're used to frying being a hot, arduous process, this lid works without consuming a ton of energy or heating up your kitchen.

The lid comes with a multi-level air fry basket, a broiling and dehydrating tray, and a protective pad and storage cover. Check it out on Amazon.

For more clever ways to use your Instant Pot, take a look at these recipes.

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The 5 Best Financial Gifts You Can Give Yourself This Holiday Season

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Between the gifts, parties, and other obligations of the holiday season, it might seem like smarter financial choices will have to wait. But just because you’re spending a little more than usual doesn’t mean you can’t put your financial planning into sharper focus. To help you get started, here are the best financial gifts you can give yourself this holiday season to prepare for a great 2020 and beyond, presented by Discover and Mental Floss. There are small steps you can take immediately to give your finances a boost, like using the Discover it card, which rewards you on every purchase you make with the card. And then there’s long-term planning, like retirement funds, that will help solidify your financial future.

1. Learn how to budget your money.

Plenty of people set spending limits on home expenses, entertainment, clothing, and other expenditures. But sometimes, these amounts need adjusting, especially as life and financial situations change over time. Consider sitting down at the end of the month and examining where all of your money went—from there you can spot unnecessary spending and find ways to fix it.

2. Take advantage of your credit card rewards.

Cash back, mileage, or promotional interest offers—credit cards offer a variety of incentives, but not everyone takes the time to analyze the offers. Don’t let free money pass you by—look into what rewards programs your card offers and take advantage of these financial gifts that are just waiting for you. With the Discover it card, for example, you can earn rewards on every purchase you make. Plus, Discover matches all the cash back you earn at the end of your first year! It’s unlimited, too, so those weekly coffees you’re trying to fit into your budget can be paid for by money you’ve already earned. Learn more at Discover.com/match.

3. Evaluate your insurance coverage.

Some of us secure home or car insurance and then never think about it again. It’s better to assess your coverage periodically to make sure you’re financially protected for things that are important and consider gap coverage if your policy is lacking. It’s better to spend a little more in policy premiums now than be hit with an unforeseen hardship later. Alternately, you might find your premiums can be lowered owing to a new home improvement project, like new water pipes or an updated roof.

4. Start a retirement plan.

Don’t fall into the trap of putting off retirement savings until you snag a salary increase or reduce expenses. Every year you fail to feed a 401(k), IRA, Roth IRA, or other nest egg means one less year you’ll accrue in your pursuit of saving for life after work. Remember that your employer may offer matching and tax-deferred options for diverting some of your income. Don’t wait for the “perfect” time to learn how to start a retirement fund—the sooner, the better.

5. Save for big purchases.

It can be hard to save money—it involves careful planning, a realistic strategy, and most importantly, cutting back a bit. But the benefits far outweigh the negatives. So if you don’t have one already, set up a savings account this holiday season and start putting some money away every month. It doesn’t even have to be you that does it—ask your bank or employer’s payroll department if they can set up an automated process to save the money for you. So next time you have your eye on a big trip or want to buy a new 4K television, you’ll have a nest egg waiting to pay for it. And big purchases lead to big cashback bonuses, so be sure to take advantage whenever you can.

You can take one step to financial stability with the Discover it® Card—which automatically matches all the cash back you earn, dollar for dollar, at the end of your first year. Learn more at Discover.com/match.